The Fermanagh community has rallied around the extended Tierney family as Jennifer Tierney (73) receives medical treatment in Croatia after being taken ill on a flight. 

Jennifer was first admitted to hospital on September 21 after travelling to Dubrovnik, Croatia, alongside her husband Dermot and daughter Orla, and a group on pilgrimage who were due to travel onward to Medjugorje, Bosnia.

Speaking to The Impartial Reporter from Croatia, daughter Orla Humphreys said: “It has been horrendous – 14 of us headed out as part of a pilgrimage; we all got to the airport and we were all sitting, enjoying ourselves, having the craic.

"We got a bit of food and then got on the plane. We had an early start, so we got on the plane and were asleep; I was sitting at the back, and mum was up beside dad. 

"The airhostess came and got me and said, ‘Your dad is looking for you’, and I went and he said he couldn’t waken mum, and had been trying.

"The cabin crew were able to get oxygen, and there was a doctor on board who also couldn’t wake her, and when we arrived an ambulance was waiting and took her straight to hospital.”

Jennifer remains very ill, but her family are hopeful. Orla said: “She should hopefully make a recovery, but it could be a long recovery, and she would be coming home to go to hospital care.”

Speaking about her mother – a popular and recognisable face around Enniskillen – Orla added: “She is a very fit and energetic woman; she is like Peter Pan, in that she never seemed to get old.”

Speaking of the support the family have received, to date, Orla said: “We went out with the group, and the support they have given has carried us.

"We have been overwhelmed by the community in Enniskillen – you don’t realise how good people are until situations like this.

"We are overwhelmed by all the messages, thoughts, prayers, and donations. We are so thankful.”

Concluding, Orla said: “It will be a long process, but we are so grateful.”

A JustGiving page has been set up by a family friend to support Jennifer and the Tierney family for any costs they may face. If you wish to donate, you can do so by visiting: https://tinyurl.com/bddfwrta.